Audiolab’s M-ONE integrated amplifier features M-DAC+ technology

Audiolab has announced the release of the M-ONE compact integrated amplifier, taking Audiolab’s DAC technology and adding pre/power amp circuitry plus connectivity options including aptX Bluetooth.

Outwardly, the M-ONE is almost identical to the M-DAC+. It sports the same aluminium case, with the same central OLED display and dual rotary control scheme and is based around the recently introduced two-channel ES9018 K2M, little brother to the flagship eight-channel ES9018 chip found in the M-DAC+. It sports the same 32bit HyperStream DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator surrounded by Audiolab’s circuitry.

The M-ONE’s DAC section shares much with the M-DAC+. It is equipped to process PCM audio data up to 32bit/384kHz via USB. The USB input also supports DSD files, offering compatibility with DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256.

The new unit offers a range of user-selectable digital filters. While the M-DAC and M-DAC+ supply seven settings for PCM files, the M-ONE distils these to a more concise selection of three; these join the same four settings offered by the M-DAC+ for DSD files.

The task for Audiolab’s electronics design team was to create an amp section to fit the limited space available within the M-ONE’s compact case. Volume is digitally controlled in the analogue domain, outputting directly to the Class AB power amplifier, which delivers an output of 40W per channel into 8 Ohms. A low-noise linear power supply incorporates a shielded toroidal transformer and multiple power supply sections.

In addition to the main power amp stage, the M-ONE shares the same headphone amp featured in the M-DAC and M-DAC+.

The M-ONE incorporates full preamp functionality for both digital and an analogue sources and is well stocked with inputs to accommodate multiple playback devices, from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs to dedicated audio components.

There are two USB inputs – a Type B socket (ideal for PC/Mac connectivity) and a Type A socket ( useful for Apple iOS device docking and playback ). Both USB inputs are compatible with PCM data up to 32bit/384kHz, as well as DSD64/128/256 and both are asynchronous – data is regulated by the master clock in the M-ONE’s DAC section, rather than by the source device.

Other digital devices can be connected via optical or coaxial cables; one input of each type is supplied, supporting PCM data up to 32bit/192kHz. These are accompanied by two RCA-phono inputs for analogue

source components, while those who enjoy the freedom of wireless connectivity can pair smartphones, tablets and computers via Bluetooth, with support for the aptX codec.

The Audiolab M-ONE is available in black or silver. Price is £799.95.

To learn more, call 01480 447700 or click on www.audiolab.co.uk